Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and home to the city of Heraklion is on the docketon day nine of the trip. As long ago as 2000 BC, Heraklion was the port of Knossos, capital of the Minoan civilization in northern Crete. The ruins of this ancient city, where the mythological Minotaur had his lair, survive remarkably intact three miles inland from the coast.

Like other Greek sites, Crete prospered under the rule of everyone from Saracen pirates to 400 years under the rule and protection of the Venetians, and was the most important commercial and cultural centre in the Eastern Mediterranean. Today, it is a thriving, modern capital city.

A couple of things you should know include, the fact that Heraklion was the home town of the artist El Greco, the airport is named after Nicos Kazantzakis, a famous Cretan philosopher and writer, author of Zorba the Greek.

Also during World War II, the island was the scene of the famous Battle of Crete where, in May 1941, German paratroopers sustained almost 7,000 casualties, meeting fierce resistance from both locals and the British Commonwealth force. As a result, Adolf Hitler forbade further large scale airborne operations on the island during the conflict.

You may spend your morning exploring the city of Heraklion or taking optional tours. The first option will be a drive to the Knossos archeological site, where you will take a detailed tour, and then return to Heraklion for some free time. The second option is a tour through the wine country, complete with time for samplings, a visit to a historic farmhouse, and a beautiful tour featuring the beautiful island landscapes. Then back to your cruise ship, where you will have a leisurely lunch and rest up for your visit to the most picturesque and photographed of the Greek Islands, Santorini. On this island you will experience the beautiful scenes depicted on your Greek calendars.

The beautiful Aegean sea with a backdrop of picturesque white-washed churches with beautiful blue domed roofs will surround you as you wander the streets. Colorful, red gated buildings with bright blue doors are highlighted in this town by the blues of the sea and sky. Perhaps you will travel to the top of the island, where you can overlook the natural harbor created by a long ago volcano.

On Santorini, optional tours include (1) a drive to Oia Village with a walking tour and then on to Thira. Or you may choose to (2) cruise around the crater, walk to the top of the volcanic island, sail through narrows of islets and swim in hot springs, OR: even if you are not an overly keen consumer, Santorini’s shops – and especially those in Fira – will tempt you for sure. Taking a walk along the narrow cobbled streets of Fira, shop windows will definitely grab your attention.

The first to catch your eye are the jewelry shops that you will find along Ypapantis street, or “Gold Street” as it has been nicknamed. Not unduly, as this street is considered to be one of the biggest gold markets in Greece. Here you will find the most modern jewelry designed by the most famous jewelers from both Greece and abroad.

The shop windows in Fira also display the latest trends of international fashion in terms of clothes, shoes and accessories coming from big and famous fashion houses.

Other shops are less shiny and more ethnic. You will find objects and works of art in the village’s pretty little shops from different countries and civilizations that do, however, join together harmoniously. You will find clothes and accessories, handmade jewellery, but also decoration crafts and lighting objects.

Perhaps this will be the area you find that perfect remembrance of your trip, or gifts for those less fortunate family and friends that were not able to join us. Enjoy your last night of being rocked to sleep on the Aegean, as the cruise portion of the tour winds down.

Want to know more? Call or visit the Springville Museum of Art at 126 E. 400 South in Springville, 801-489-2727 or visit our website online at www.smofa.org.